Taking a page from Walt Disney’s playbook, Disneyland Resort Duty Managers roam the resort’s theme parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District to ensure they are operating smoothly. For 47 years, Duty Manager Dean Yamada has been connecting with guests and cast members to build relationships and create magical moments. Dean starts his shift by checking in with team leaders in each land to make sure Disneyland park is show ready for the day.

After more than 60 years serving up magic and memories at The Happiest Place on Earth, Carnation Café chef Oscar Martinez retired on September 27. Oscar began working at Disneyland on December 29, 1956 – a year after the park opened. Oscar originally worked as a busboy and later a grill cook in Fantasyland quick-service locations that sold hamburgers, hot dogs and chili. Moving to Carnation Café in 1967, Oscar has been a staple on Main Street, U.S.A., making famous his recipe for breakfast potatoes.

Guests visiting the Disneyland Resort to celebrate our 60th anniversary today will be treated to a sweet surprise! More than 100,000 cupcakes are being shared with guests and cast members to commemorate this special day. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog today as we bring you updates from our celebration. And follow along on Twitter and Instagram with @Disneyland, on Facebook.com/Disneyland , and with the hashtag #Disneyland60 . Disneyland Resort Guests Treated to Cupcakes for 60th Anniversary Celebration Today by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog

Watch carefully over the coming days and you may see people casting spells in Adventureland. Walt Disney Imagineering has recruited Cast Members to test a new interactive experience: Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom .

Trading did not exist at Disney Parks when I started my career on the Walt Disney World College Program. As a Merchandise Host at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island during summer 1997, my conversation starter was a bubble blower. The conversation typically began with either a Guest or me yelling, “Bubbles!” Flash forward 13 years and today Cast Members have a phrase that works even better than bubbles – “Would you like to trade?” That “ice breaker to interaction” phrase continues to be the catalyst for trading pins.